Teachers Union Wins Big in Miami-Dade County
83% of Members Vote to Keep United Teachers of Dade (UTD) as Their Official Representative
The United Teachers of Dade (UTD) is celebrating a significant victory after 83% of its members voted to keep the union as their official representative when bargaining with the Miami-Dade County Public School District. This outcome is a testament to the union’s strong commitment to its members and its dedication to advocating for the best interests of students and educators.
UTD’s Leadership Shows Appreciation
UTD President Karla Hernandez-Matz took to YouTube to express her gratitude to the voters in a heartfelt message. "As education professionals, we will continue to advocate for dignity and respect in our workplaces, and continue to be a voice for our students, to secure the resources they need," she said.
A Turf War for Representation
The vote comes at a time when the union was facing a challenge from the Miami-Dade Education Coalition, which was linked to the Conservative Freedom Foundation. This move was seen as a threat to the union’s influence and power in the school district.
The Union’s Perseverance Pays Off
The vote to re-certify was no easy feat, given the new state law that raised the threshold for labor organizations to sign up at least 60% of employees. However, UTD persevered and managed to secure an impressive 83% of its members’ support.
A Stronger Union for a Brighter Future
With the vote in the bag, UTD is now poised to continue its work in advocating for its members and students. As President Hernandez-Matz emphasized, "We will continue to be a voice for our students, to secure the resources they need."
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the 83% vote for UTD?
A: The high voter turnout is a show of confidence in UTD’s leadership and its ability to represent the interests of its members.
Q: What is the Miami-Dade Education Coalition, and what is its significance in this context?
A: The Miami-Dade Education Coalition is a group linked to the Conservative Freedom Foundation that challenged UTD for representation. Its formation was seen as a threat to UTD’s influence and power in the school district.
Q: What does the new state law mean for labor organizations in Florida?
A: The law raises the threshold for labor organizations to sign up at least 60% of employees, making it more challenging for unions to re-certify. UTD’s impressive 83% turnout is a testament to the union’s strength and resilience.
